For me, i focus on the version of the device, the RAM and the battery capacity. I give these three things i mentioned more priority because i like when the device is up-to-date (latest version of close), then the RAM should be from 6GB upwards, then the battery capacity should be from 5000mAh upwards.
You have a point, battery life is very important but the problem is most flagships don't have big batteries most times a good processor fixes battery.
For me, I don't really consider the camera because I don't work with it, but as far as the Internet is concerned, you can't do without a larger RAM and a faster processor.
RAM matters but processor matters more.
For me, i focus on the version of the device, the RAM and the battery capacity.
Version helps too but sometimes older flagships still beat newer versions.
If we go over to my phone, I am using a regular Samsung A15 and Iphone 12. The reason for having both and android phone and an iphone is to check the responsiveness on the mobile view when actually designing an app or a website.
"You de hot!!!" As odd as it sounds though I don't like iPhones I see them as a big flaunts but I prefer Macs though I'm not an apple fan.
For camera quality I get confused of new choice to make between IOS, Samsung and Google PIXELs. But having one of this is very good for a photograph orientated person.
Photography I'll chose pixel the biggest edge apple has is just their chip big mega pixel doesn't really mean a better image quality processors depict quality. For designs I'll go with macs they are good.
I have only two device, 1 laptop of 8GB Ram, 256GB Rom, Intel Core 15, 7th Gen, i consider this device an average of what any user not deep on tech should use. Ideally not suitable for hefty crafts. Then i also have my Android, same 8GB and 256GB storage, still what an average would use.
Your PC will runs node seamlessly as long as you don't over load the drive.
I use my iOS mostly because of operations on this device is faster and more efficient but there is a let down and that is in its battery capacity.
Macs aside iOS have bad batteries.
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Get a flagship with good processor... Big mega pixels don't really show good image quality.